Meeting Notes January, 2025 BJH/17.01.2025

1 We welcomed twenty three members to the meeting including new members Steve and Jane Apsey from Bedwas – welcome. It was also good to see Linda.

2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Roy & Chris, Phil & Joy, Stuart, Bruno and David P. For those that were unwell, signed ‘Get Well’ cards would be sent.

3 Malcolm provided a feedback on the SWW Christmas Away Weekend that took place at Weston in early December, 2024. An excellent weekend despite the appalling weather with sixteen members attending. Although the hotel had now been taken over by the Daish Holiday Group, the same level of friendliness and support was provided by the hotel staff. The food continued to be of a high standard and Santa did his job really well as usual. Some problems with the Saturday evening’s entertainment but we all survived.

4 It was agreed that Barry investigate with Daish Holidays what facilities and costs might be involved with a Turkey/Tinsel Christmas Weekend for December, 2025. The alternative venues of Weymouth and Bournemouth, as well as Weston, would be looked at. Barry would report back on his discussions in due course.

5 The 2025 GWOCGB Renewal Subscriptions are now overdue, costs are Single Membership £28.00, Joint Membership £35.00. Renewal Forms (available on the GWOCGB Website) are NOT required if nothing has changed with the individual’s personal information and Wing details.

6 Possible plans for some South Walians to visit the Belgium, Dutch (if it goes ahead) and Irish Treffens are under consideration. A flyer for the Belgium Treffen is now available on the Website.

7 If anybody has not had a CRASH Card for their helmet, please contact Barry.

8 The GWOCGB Wing Ding calendar for 2025 is now available on the GWOCGB Website.

9 The region has received a GWOCGB appeal for WingSpan front cover pictures. If you have a suitable picture of your Wing, please pass it to Malcolm.

10 Barry reported on the possible South Wales Wings “Drop In” at Taffs Well RFC that might take place. The dates that had been previously agreed by the region had to be changed because the Yorkshire Wing Ding was now taking place on those dates. It was agreed therefore to change the dates to 2 to 5 July, 2025 however, we are still waiting for Taffs Well RFC response as to whether the event can be held.

11 Barry reported on December 2024 Vale Food Bank Newsletter that had been received. The need for Food Bank support was ongoing.

12 We had received an invitation to provide a static display at Sully on Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, 2025, the event being organised by Dinas Powys Rotary Club. It was agreed that we would attend, further details to follow.

13 We had also received an invitation from Panteg House to attend their Classic Car Show on Saturday 17 May, 2025. We will be attending, details to follow.

14 Barry reported that the ordered Welsh Touring Shirts had been received and those not handed over would be available for collection at the February, 2025 regional meeting.

15 Events coming up:

a. GWOCGB Member’s Open Meeting on Sunday 9 February, 2025 at Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa.

b. Panteg House Classic Car Show – Saturday 17 May, 2025.

c. Dinas Powys Rotary Club Classic Vehicle Show at Sully – Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, 2025.

16 The regional finances as at 10 January, 2025 were as follows:

a. Current Account £29.81, Deposit Account £5,766.08.

17 AOB:

a. Barry reported that Harry Beese had changed his BMW for a Goldwing and had re-joined the Club. Welcome back Harry.

18 The raffle raised £30.00 for regional funds, thanks to all especially to Irene and Myra who had sold tickets in Christine’s absence.

19 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 9 February, 2025 at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830. A representative from Blood Bikes Wales will attend the start of the meeting to receive our donation of £2,000 collected during our 2024 Wing Ding.

20 A big thank you everyone who brought food for our social gathering following our meeting. It was a wonderful spread.